What Are Common Pickleball Injuries?

The most common pickleball injuries include pickleball elbow (lateral epicondylitis), rotator cuff strain, knee pain, ankle sprains, lower back strain, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and wrist strain. These injuries generally fall into two categories: overuse injuries from repetitive motion, and acute injuries from falls or sudden movements.

Common Pickleball Injuries at a Glance

Injury	Type	Most Common In
Pickleball elbow (lateral epicondylitis)	Overuse	All players; especially beginners and older adults
Rotator cuff strain or tear	Overuse / acute	Players 50+; overhead smash movement
Knee pain (patellar tendinopathy, meniscus)	Overuse / acute	Players with existing knee conditions; high-volume players
Ankle sprain	Acute	Any player; lateral cutting movements
Lower back strain	Overuse	Players with poor trunk stability or posture
Achilles tendinopathy	Overuse	Players 40+; fast explosive movement
Plantar fasciitis	Overuse	Players logging high weekly court hours
Wrist strain	Overuse / acute	Players using incorrect paddle grip technique

Why These Injuries Happen

Most pickleball injuries stem from a combination of repetitive paddle motion, the sport's rapid growth attracting many new and often older players without adequate preparation, and the constant lateral movement that places unique stress on the lower body. Overuse injuries like pickleball elbow tend to develop gradually from repeated mechanical strain, while acute injuries like ankle sprains typically result from a sudden misstep or quick directional change.

Note

Pickleball's rise in injury reports closely tracks its explosive growth in popularity — more people of all ages and fitness levels are picking up the sport, often without easing in gradually or learning proper technique first. Most pickleball injuries are genuinely preventable with the right preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single most common pickleball injury?

Pickleball elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is widely reported as the most common overuse injury in the sport, largely because it develops from the repetitive paddle swing motion that every player performs constantly throughout a match.

Are pickleball injuries more common in older players?

Older players do report higher rates of certain injuries, particularly fractures from falls and rotator cuff issues, partly due to age-related changes in bone density, tendon elasticity, and balance. That said, overuse injuries like pickleball elbow affect players of all ages, including younger and newer players who haven't yet developed proper technique.

Questions about pickleball and your health? Email [email protected].